With still a chance to make the Finals, Ivy Lacsina emphasized the need for Akari to reset and refocus ahead of their crucial PVL All-Filipino semifinal match against Petro Gazz.
Akari’s bid for a 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals spot hit a roadblock after a tough straight-set loss to Creamline at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, April 1.
Following the defeat, Ivy Lacsina admitted that the team is now going back to square one as they try to regroup for their last semifinal match.
The 25-year-old outside hitter shared that the mood in the locker room was understandably somber, with the team taking time to reflect on what went wrong.
“Siyempre, medyo tahimik kasi ina-analyze po talaga namin yung game kanina. And ayun, after naman nun, nag-usap-usap kami ulit kung paano ulit ‘yung gagawin namin para makarecover,” Lacsina told reporters. “So, ayun, trabaho kami ulit.”
Lacsina has been struggling in the semifinals, averaging just eight points—a far cry from her usual outputs during the preliminary round.
The former NU standout admitted that she has been trying to focus as well on her defense on the taraflex.
“Siguro, more on kumpiyansa po sa palo. Kasi doon talaga ako nag-off pero, siguro po, medyo finocus ko po kasi talaga ‘yung pasa at ‘yung defense,” she added.
Just days prior, Akari stunned Choco Mucho in a five-set thriller, powered by Eli Soyud’s career-high 34 points.
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But against the Cool Smashers, the Chargers looked out of sync, something Lacsina attributed to both their opponent’s strength and their own shortcomings.
“Siyempre, hindi naman po namin itatanggi talaga kasi Creamline pa rin ‘yan eh. Kumbaga, number one team talaga po sila sa PVL. So, hindi naman po sa nadala po kami pero medyo off lang din po talaga halos lahat kanina,” Lacsina admitted.
“Beterano din po yung kalaban po namin. Siguro, nagkulang po kami sa mga in-game adjustment po,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina points out difference between young Akari squad and veteran PVL teams]
With a crucial matchup against Petro Gazz up next, Lacsina emphasized the need to reset and refocus.
A win for Akari will keep them in the hunt for a Finals spot, while a loss will leave them in the hands of Choco Mucho.
“Siguro po, kanina medyo kalmadong usap pa lang po talaga yung ginawa namin para ma-relax muna po yung team,” Lacsina said. “And then, usap po kami ulit and then training. Yun lang naman po palagi namin gagawin and balik po kami ulit sa drawing board.”
The Chargers will look to bounce back against the Angels on Thursday, April 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.